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Beryllium is very scarce in nature; it has an estimated occurrence of one part per billion (ppb) throughout the universe. It does not occur naturally in a pure form, only in a compound with other elements. Beryllium is a component in many gemstones.
Beryllium is very scarce in nature; it has an estimated occurrence of one part per billion (ppb) throughout the universe. It does not occur naturally in a pure form, only in a compound with other elements. Beryllium is a component in many gemstones.
==Uses==
Metallic beryllium is transparent to most wavelengths of [[-ray]] and [gamma]] radiation, which makes it valuable in applications such as X-ray imaging systems. It is also used in the production of mirrors, especially for orbiting telescopes, and in loudspeaker components. As beryllium is non-magnetic it is important in the manufacture of equipment for bomb disposal technicians.
==Hazards==
Contact with, or inhalation of, metallic beryllium is extremely dangerous. The metal is toxic and has also been linked to a number of cancers.
[[Category:Metals]][[Category:Elements]]
[[Category:Metals]][[Category:Elements]]